New Orleans Pasta Cheddars Copycat Recipe

If you’ve ever eaten at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, you’re probably familiar with their legendary New Orleans Pasta. It features a creamy Alfredo sauce, zesty salsa, smoky sausage, tender chicken, and juicy shrimp, all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta. Lucky for you, I’ve recreated this recipe so you can enjoy it anytime from the comfort of your own kitchen. And trust me, it’s easier to make at home than you think, and it's even better than Cheddar's!

Why I Love This Copycat Cheddars New Orleans Pasta Recipe

I'll never forget the first time I ate at Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen. My wife and I were on a road trip, and we needed to stop to grab something to eat. Since we had never been to Cheddar's and there wasn't one by our house, we decided to try it. We ordered the broccoli cheese casserole and New Orleans pasta to split. It was honestly one of our favorite meals we've ever had, and made having to drive another ten hours much more doable. 

Since I already created a copycat recipe for the broccoli cheese casserole, I had to make one for the New Orleans pasta, and I'm so excited to share it with you! 

Ingredients For Cheddar's New Orleans Pasta

Now let's dive into everything you need to make my copycat version of Cheddar’s New Orleans Pasta. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, so you might already have them on hand.

Check them out:

• 1 lb. penne pasta
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 oz. chicken breast
• 8 oz. smoked sausage
• Salt and pepper
• 16 large shrimp
• 1 large onion
• ½ green bell pepper and ½ yellow bell pepper
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 5 basil leaves

How To Make Cheddar's New Orleans Pasta

I break this recipe down into easy, manageable steps. So whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this dish straightforward and foolproof. Let's get into it! 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 teaspoons of salt to the water, which will enhance the flavor of the pasta as it cooks. Then, toss in the penne and cook it until al dente according to the package instructions—usually about 10-12 minutes. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen up the sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken and Sausage

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the cubed chicken and smoked sausage rounds. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust. This caramelization adds so much flavor! Then, season with salt and pepper and stir, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through and the sausage is nicely browned.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Add the sliced onion, green bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

You want the vegetables to soften slightly while still retaining a bit of their crunch. Their natural sweetness complements the smoky and creamy elements of the dish beautifully.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the Alfredo sauce and salsa. Stir the mixture until it’s well combined and starts to simmer gently. The salsa adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick that elevates the creamy Alfredo to a whole new level.

Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. The shrimp’s natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the creamy and zesty sauce.

Step 6: Combine and Toss

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss it in the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—a little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finally, sprinkle the chopped basil leaves over the top for a fresh, fragrant finish. Serve the New Orleans Pasta immediately while it’s hot and creamy. Trust me, your family or guests will be going back for seconds—maybe even thirds!

My Expert Tips 

Want to take this copycat recipe to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks to ensure it comes out tasting like it's straight from the restaurant:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp, crisp bell peppers, and high-quality Alfredo sauce make a noticeable difference in flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook; they only need a couple of minutes to become perfectly tender.
3. Spice It Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
4. Customize your Cajun Chicken Pasta: Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach to sneak in some extra veggies. You could also add in some shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese.
5. Prep Ahead: Slice the veggies and measure out the ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

FAQS About This New Orleans Pasta Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, you can use any pasta you like. Rigatoni, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work just as well.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! If you love a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, red chili flakes, or even a splash of hot sauce to the Alfredo and salsa mixture.

What if I don’t have Alfredo sauce?

You can make your own Alfredo sauce with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Or, use a jarred Alfredo sauce as a convenient substitute.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, pre-cooked shrimp can save time. Just add them in the final step to warm them through without overcooking.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

For a dairy-free option, substitute the Alfredo sauce with a creamy cashew-based sauce or a store-bought dairy-free Alfredo alternative. I have a great vegan alfredo sauce recipe you can use too.

How do I store leftovers?

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this pasta?

While pasta dishes with creamy sauces don’t always freeze well, you can freeze this one for up to a month in a freezer-safe bag or container.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir until the sauce has thinned and the pasta is warmed through. For the frozen pasta, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream before eating again.

Can I omit the sausage or shrimp?

Of course! You can customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Replace the sausage or shrimp with more chicken, or keep it vegetarian by adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

My Final Thoughts on This Recipe

There’s something special about this dish. It's hearty, comforting, and bursting with bold flavors that can rival any cajun chicken pasta. This Cheddar's-inspired New Orleans Pasta truly checks all the boxes and more.

My wife and I make this regularly to remind us of our delicious meal we had on that road trip, and I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your household too! If you try it, let me know what you think by leaving a comment below.

More Copycat Recipes 

• Cheddars honey butter croissants
• Cheddars spinach dip
• Long John Silver battered shrimp
• Tini's mac and cheese